A news-based journal on the Boston restaurant scene. The owner of this blog is also the founder of Boston's Hidden Restaurants, a website that focuses on local dining spots.

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Explosion Damages Ohlin's Bakery in Belmont

A landmark bakery known in part for its donuts is closed for the time being after it was hit by an explosion early this morning.

According to an article from WCVB Boston, Ohlin's Bakery in Belmont was rocked by what appears to be an oven explosion around 2:45 AM, with CBS Boston mentioning that the back wall of the store was blown out along with a window at the barber shop next door. No one was injured in the blast, though owner Paul Klemm's hair and eyebrows were singed, CBS Boston says. WCVB states that the gas has been shut off to the entire block where Ohlin's resides, and that a building inspector will be taking a look at the damage to the structure. (At this point in time, it is not known how long the shop will be closed.)

[March 16 update: The Belmontonian reports that the back section of Ohlin's (which is the baking area) sustained major damage in the explosion, with parts of the back wall and roof collapsing, making it unsafe to be in that part of the building, and a structural analysis will be needed to decide on how to go about making the necessary repairs. While Ohlin's will be closed for the foreseeable future, the owners do plan to reopen the business and are currently in talks with the insurance company.]

[June 2 update: A recent Facebook post indicates an apparent setback for Ohlin's and its planned reopening after the fire. The post says that "we were hoping insurance will cover what needs to be done, but we were told our insurance doesn't cover the town code upgrades. So at this time we will see what has to be done and go from there."]

[July 19 update: A new Facebook post from Ohlin's indicates that the future of the bakery may now be in question, as their insurance company will not pay for any of the necessary code upgrades while the landlord's insurance company will pay only to make it a retail shop rather than a bakery. As a result, the owners of the place say that "We will need to see if this is something we can personally afford....We want more than anything to get back to doing what we do best. We pray that this will be possible."]

Ohlin's, which first opened in 1915, offers approximately two dozen different types of doughnuts, including such classics as jelly-filled, honey-dipped, and chocolate glazed. The store also sells bagels, cupcakes, cookies, muffins, scones, and more.

The address for Ohlin's is 456 Common Street, Belmont, MA, 02478. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Ohlins-Bakery-113974415300257/